Showing papers by "Banaras Hindu University published in 2001"

Suppression of hadrons with large transverse momentum in central Au + Au collisions at √sNN = 130 GeV

Abstract: Transverse momentum spectra for charged hadrons and for neutral pions in the range 1 Gev/c < P-T < 5 GeV/c have been measured by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC in Au + Au collisions at rootS(NN) = 130 GeV. At high p(T) the spectra from peripheral nuclear collisions are consistent with scaling the spectra from p + p collisions by the average number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. The spectra from central collisions are significantly suppressed when compared to the binary-scaled p + p expectation, and also when compared to similarly binary-scaled peripheral collisions, indicating a novel nuclear-medium effect in central nuclear collisions at RHIC energies.

Drug resistance in Indian visceral leishmaniasis.

Abstract: Throughout the world, pentavalent antimonial compounds (Sb(v)) have been the mainstay of antileishmanial therapy for more than 50 years. Sb(v) has been highly effective in the treatment of Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL: kala-azar) at a low dose (10 mg/kg) for short durations (6-10 days). But in the early 1980s reports of its ineffectiveness emerged, and the dose of Sb(v) was eventually raised to 20 mg/kg for 30-40 days. This regimen cures most patients with VL except in India, where the proportion of patients unresponsive to Sb(v) has steadily increased. In hyperendemic districts of north Bihar, 50-65% patients fail treatment with Sb(v). Important reasons are rampant use of subtherapeutic doses, incomplete duration of treatment and substandard drugs. In vitro experiments have established emergence of Sb(v) resistant strains of Leishmania donovani, as isolates from unresponsive patients require 3-5 times more Sb(v) to reach similarly effectiveness against the parasite as in Sb(v) responders. Anthroponotic transmission in India has been an important factor in rapid increase in the Sb(v) refractoriness. Pentamidine was the first drug to be used and cured 99% of these refractory patients, but over time even with double the amount of initial doses, it cures only 69-78% patients now and its use has largely been abandoned in India. Despite several disadvantages, amphotericin B is the only drug available for use in these areas and should be used as first-line drug instead of Sb(v). The new oral antileishmanial drug miltefosine is likely to be the first-line drug in future. Unfortunately, development of newer antileishmanial drugs is rare; two promising drugs, aminosidine and sitamaquine, may be developed for use in the treatment of VL. Lipid associated amphotericin B has an excellent safety and efficacy profile, but remains out of reach for most patients because of its high cost.

Ecology of seed and seedling growth for conservation and restoration of tropical dry forest : a review

Abstract: Dry forests are among the most threatened ecosystems and have been extensively converted into grasslands, secondary forest, savanna or agricultural land. Knowledge of seed germination and seedling establishment is required for the success of efforts on restoration of these forests. This review focuses on the ecological requirements at seed and seedling stages, and collates the current knowledge of seed viability, dormancy, germination pattern and seedling behaviour of dry tropical tree species. The spatio-temporal variations within the tropical dry forest biome in soil moisture, light, temperature, nutrients and intensity of predation, significantly affect the seed and seedling traits of component species. The majority of dry tropical species possess orthodox seeds which are characterized by dormancy, while a few have recalcitrant seeds which possess little or no dormancy. Seed coat dormancy, which can be overcome by mechanical or acid scarification or sometimes by transit through animal guts, is most prevalent in the dry tropical forest species. Persistent species dominating the undisturbed portions of the forest have bigger seeds compared to those that mostly occur in disturbed regions and require shade for the survival of their seedlings. Shade demand is associated with drought endurance, and may be absolute in species such as Guettarda parviflora and Coccoloba microstachya, or facultative as in Plumeria alba and Bursera simaruba. The fluctuation in temperature significantly affects seed germination in several species of dry Afromontane forest trees of Ethiopia. Seedling mortality is primarily a function of moisture stress during the dry period. Adaptive responses of seedlings to drought stress include increased chlorophyll content, for example in Acacia catechu, and root biomass, as in several dry forest species (for example Drypetes parvifolia, Teclia verdoornia) of Ghana. Mulching, application of fertilizers, interplanting of leguminous species and mycorrhizal inoculation are useful tools for promoting seedling establishment in nutrient-poor dry tropical soils. Periodic forest fires, and predation affect recruitment and seedling development according to their intensity. Many species experiencing frequent fires have evolved thick seed coats, produce fire-hardy seedlings, or escape the effect by temporal separation of seed dispersal and fire events. Predation may result in abortion of fruits or may enhance germination and recruitment by scarification and dispersal, as in most species of the Guanacaste dry forest. Exposure to elevated CO2 has increased relative growth rate, total leaf area and water use efficiency in most of the dry tropical seedlings tested, but the magnitude of the effect has varied markedly among species. Due to the availability of a large source of energy, large seeds show higher germination percentage, greater seedling survival and increased growth. Seeds originating from different provenances exhibit differences in germination and seedling growth (for example Prosopis cineraria, Albizia lebbeck, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium), efficiency of nodulation (for example Acacia nilotica, A. auriculiformis), and stress resistance (for example Populus deltoides, Dalbergia sissoo). The review points out the need for coordinated, long-term, field-based studies for identification of multiple cues and niches for germination, on seed and seedling dynamics in response to fire, and on within-species genetic variability for selection of suitable provenances. Field-based studies at species and community levels are also needed to permit manipulations of biotic components to augment the recruitment of desired species and to suppress that of undesirable species.

Centrality dependence of charged particle multiplicity in Au-Au collisions at √SNN = 130 GeV

Abstract: We present results for the charged-particle multiplicity distribution at midrapidity in Au-Au collisions at square root of [s(NN)] = 130 GeV measured with the PHENIX detector at RHIC. For the 5% most central collisions we find dN(ch)/d eta(vertical line eta = 0) = 622+/-1(stat)+/-41(syst). The results, analyzed as a function of centrality, show a steady rise of the particle density per participating nucleon with centrality.

Impacts of air pollutants on vegetation in developing countries

Abstract: The predicted increases in emissions of primary pollutants in many rapidly industrializing countries may have severe consequences for the health and productivity of forest trees and agricultural crops. This paper presents a review of air pollution impacts on vegetation in developing countries by summarising information describing the direct impacts to vegetation caused by a number of air pollutants (sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)). This information has been collected by experts from a number of rapidly industrializing countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa and includes observations of visible injury in the field and the use of transect studies and controlled experimental investigations to ascribe damage to different pollutant concentrations. The ability to synthesise this information to define exposure-response relationships and subsequent air quality guidelines similar to those established in North America and Europe is assessed. In addition, the use of regional and global models describing pollution concentrations is discussed with reference to assessing the extent of adverse impacts and identifying regions likely to be most at risk from air pollution, both for the present day and in the future. The evidence summarised in the paper clearly shows that current pollutant concentrations experienced in many developing countries, particularly Asia, can result in severe damage to vegetation and that without appropriate control measures such damage is likely to worsen in the future as pollutant emissions increase.

Treatment of Indian visceral leishmaniasis with single or daily infusions of low dose liposomal amphotericin B: randomised trial.

Abstract: # Treatment of Indian visceral leishmaniasis with single or daily infusions of low dose liposomal amphotericin B: randomised trial {#article-title-2} Objective: To test short course, low dose liposomal amphotericin B as single or daily infusion treatment in Indian visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar). Design: Randomised, open label study. Setting: Inpatient unit for leishmaniasis in Bihar, India. Participants: 91 adults and children with splenic aspirate positive for infection. Interventions: Total dose of 5 mg/kg of liposomal amphotericin B given as a single infusion (n=46) or as once daily infusions of 1 mg/kg for five days (n=45). Main outcome measures: Clinical and parasitological cure assessed 14 days after treatment and long term definitive cure (healthy, no relapse) at six months. Results: All but one person in each group had an initial apparent cure. During six months of follow up, three patients in the single dose group and two in the five dose group relapsed. Complete response (definitive cure) was therefore achieved in 84 of 91 subjects (92%): 42 of 46 patients in the single dose group (91%, 95% confidence interval 79% to 98%) and 42 of 45 in the five dose group (93%, 82% to 99%). Response rates in the two groups were not significantly different. Conclusion: Low dose liposomal amphotericin B (5 mg/kg), given either as a five day course or as a single infusion, seems to be effective for visceral leishmaniasis and warrants further testing. # Commentary: cost and resistance remain issues {#article-title-19}

Effect of Cadmium on Soluble Sugars and Enzymes of their Metabolism in Rice

Abstract: The effect of cadmium on the content of starch and sugars, and changes in the activities of the enzymes of sugar metabolism were studied in growing seedlings of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars Ratna and Jaya. During a 5- to 20-d exposure at 100 μM or 500 μM Cd(NO3)2 in the growth medium an increase in the content of total soluble sugars and reducing sugars, and decrease in the content of non-reducing sugars was observed. Cd-induced increase in the sugar content was greater in shoots than in roots. No definite pattern of changes in starch content or in α-amylase activity was observed. Presence of 100 or 500 μM Cd(NO3)2 increased the activities of sucrose degrading enzymes, acid invertase and sucrose synthase, whereas the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase declined.

Comparative studies of cytokinins on in vitro propagation of Bacopa monniera

Abstract: A mass in vitro propagation system for Bacopa monniera (L) Wettst (Scrophulariaceae), a medicinally important plant, has been developed A range of cytokinins have been investigated for multiple shoot induction with node, internode and leaf explants Of the four cytokinins (6-benzyladenine, thidiazuron, kinetin and 2-isopentenyladenine) tested thidiazuron (68 μM) and 6-benzyladenine (89 μM) proved superior to other treatments Optimum adventitious shoot buds induction occurred at 68 μM thidiazuron where an average of 93 shoot buds were produced in leaf explants after 7 weeks of incubation However, subculture of leaf explants on medium containing 22 μM benzyladenine yielded a higher number (1291) of adventitious shoot buds by the end of third subculture The percentage shoot multiplication (100%) as well as the number of shoots per explant remained the high during the first 3 subculture cycles, facilitating their simultaneous harvest for rooting In vitro derived shoots were elongated on growth regulator-free MS medium and exhibited better rooting response on medium containing 49 μM IBA After a hardening phase of 3 weeks, there was an almost 100% transplantation success in the field

Hydrogen-Bonded Pyridine-Water Complexes Studied by Density Functional Theory and Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract: Density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level was employed to obtain the optimized geometries and vibrational spectra of several pyridine(Py)−water(W) complexes with stoichiometric ratios ranging from 2:1 (Py2W) to 1:3 (PyW3). The harmonic vibrational wavenumbers of pyridine ring modes and the fundamental modes of water were calculated in order to examine the influence of hydrogen bonding on the normal modes of both pyridine and water upon complexation. The Raman spectra in the wavenumber region 960−1060 cm-1 covering the ring modes ν1 and ν12 of pyridine (in Wilson's notation) as a function of pyridine mole fraction were recorded. The integrated Raman intensities in the isotropic components of the spectra were used to determine the relative concentration of “free” pyridine molecules in close neighborhood with other Py−W complexes. The combination of both experimental wavenumbers yielding the overall shift induced by the entirety of hydrogen-bonded complexes in the mixture and the DFT-de...

Measurement of the midrapidity transverse energy distribution from √SNN = 130 Ge V Au + Au collisions at RHIC

Abstract: The first measurement of energy produced transverse to the beam direction at RHIC is presented. The mid-rapidity transverse energy density per participating nucleon rises steadily with the number of participants, closely paralleling the rise in charged-particle density, such that E_T / N_ch remains relatively constant as a function of centrality. The energy density calculated via Bjorken's prescription for the 2% most central Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=130 GeV is at least epsilon_Bj = 4.6 GeV/fm^3 which is a factor of 1.6 larger than found at sqrt(s_NN)=17.2 GeV (Pb+Pb at CERN).

Antialgal activity of a hepatotoxin-producing cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity of toxin produced by a freshwater bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa has been studied. When tested against certain green algae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria and fungi, the toxin inhibited growth of only green algae and cyanobacteria. The toxin has been partially purified employing Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques and appears to be microcystin-LR (leucine–arginine). Both crude and purified toxins showed toxicity to mice, the clinical symptoms in test mice being similar to those produced by hepatotoxin. Purified toxin at a concentration of 50 μg ml−1 caused complete inhibition of growth followed by cell lysis in Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena BT1 after 6 days of toxin addition. Addition of toxin (25 μg ml−1) to the culture suspensions of the Nostoc and Anabaena strains caused instant and drastic loss of O2 evolution. Furthermore a marked reduction (about 87%) in the 14CO2 uptake was also observed at a concentration of 50 μg ml−1. Besides its inhibitory effects on photosynthetic processes, M. aeruginosa toxin (50 μg ml−1) also caused 90% loss of nitrogenase activity after 8 h of its addition. Experiments performed with 14C-labelled toxin indicate that the toxin uptake by cyanobacterial cells occurs both in light and dark. These results demonstrate that the toxin is strongly algicidal and point to the possibility that it may have an important role in establishment and maintenance of toxic blooms of M. aeruginosa in freshwater ecosystems. The relative significance of the hepatotoxic effect and the algicidal effect of the toxin is discussed with reference both to survival and dominance of M. aeruginosa in nature.

Effect of tempering temperatures on the mechanical properties and microstructures of HSLA-100 type copper-bearing steels

Abstract: Two copper-bearing high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels with chemistry similar to HSLA-100, were made on a laboratory scale, one in an air induction (100 kg) furnace and the other in a vacuum induction (50 kg) furnace. The ingots cast were hot-rolled to 25 mm thick plates which were subsequently austenitized and tempered at different temperatures (400–700°C) for 1 h. Evaluation of mechanical properties and microstructure of as-quenched and tempered plates revealed that substantial improvement in strength (YS-1024 and 1025 MPa; UTS-1079 and 1111 MPa for steels 1 and 2) occurred at the expense of impact toughness on tempering at 500°C owing to profuse Cu precipitation in the matrix. With increase in tempering temperature however, the notch toughness improved considerably, reaching peak values of 53 and 123 Joules (J) at −85°C for steels 1 and 2 at 650 and 700°C tempering temperatures, respectively. The partially recovered matrix and the coarsened Cu precipitates in this temperature range presumably enhanced dislocation movement and notch toughness.

Evidence for another low-temperature phase transition in tetragonal Pb(Zr x Ti 1-x )O 3 (x=0.515,0.520)

Abstract: Results of dielectric and resonance frequency (f r ) measurements below room temperature are presented for Pb(Zr x Ti 1-x )O 3 , x=0.515 and 0.520. It is shown that the temperature coefficient of f r changes sign from negative to positive around 210 and 265 K for x=0.520 and 200 and 260 K for x=0.515. Anomalies in the real part of the dielectric constant (e') are observed around the same temperatures at which the temperature coefficient of f r changes sign because of the electrostrictive coupling between the elastic and dielectric responses. Low-temperature powder x-ray-diffraction (XRD) data, however, reveal only one transition from the tetragonal to monoclinic phase similar to that reported by Noheda et al. [Phys. Rev. B, 61, 8687 (2000)]. Electron-diffraction data, on the other hand, reveal yet another structural transition at lower temperatures corresponding to the second anomaly in the e' vs T and f r vs T curves. This second transition is shown to be a cell-doubling transition not observed by Noheda et al. in their XRD studies. The observation of superlattice reflections raises doubts about the correctness of the Cm space group proposed by Noheda et al. for the monoclinic phase of Pb(Zr x Ti 1-x )O 3 below the second transition temperature.

Structure and the location of the morphotropic phase boundary region in (1-x)[Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]-xPbTiO3

Abstract: The structure of (1-x)[Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]-xPbTiO3 is tetragonal and rhombohedral for x≥0.35 and x≤0.30, respectively. The intrinsic width of the morphotropic phase boundary region (0.30

Influence of Tempering on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HSLA-100 Steel Plates

Abstract: The influence of tempering on the microstructure and mechanical properties of HSLA-100 steel (with C-0.04, Mn-0.87, Cu-1.77, Cr-0.58, Mo-0.57, Ni-3.54, and Nb-.038 pct) has been studied. The plate samples were tempered from 300 °C to 700 °C for 1 hour after austenitizing and water quenching. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the as-quenched steel revealed a predominantly lath martensite structure along with fine precipitates of Cu and Nb(C, N). A very small amount of retained austenite could be seen in the lath boundaries in the quenched condition. Profuse precipitation of Cu could be noticed on tempering at 450 °C, which enhanced the strength of the steel significantly (yield strength (YS)—1168 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS)—1219 MPa), though at the cost of its notch toughness, which dropped to 37 and 14 J at 25 °C and −85 °C, respectively. The precipitates became considerably coarsened and elongated on tempering at 650 °C, resulting in a phenomenal rise in impact toughness (Charpy V-notch (CVN) of 196 and 149 J, respectively, at 25 °C and −85 °C) at the expense of YS and UTS. The best combination of strength and toughness has been obtained on tempering at 600 °C for 1 hour (YS-1015 MPa and UTS-1068 MPa, with 88 J at −85 °C).

Heavy Metal Tolerance in Algae

Abstract: Algae are often exposed to heavy metal pollution due to the disposal of industrial and domestic wastes into waterways. Many algae growing in metal–polluted environments display an ability to tolerate high concentrations of toxic metals (De Filippis and Pallaghy 1994). In fact, even laboratory cultures of some algae can be acclimated to elevated concentrations of toxic metals (Shehata and Whitton 1982; Kuwabara and Leland 1986; Rai et al. 1991; Twiss et al. 1993). Metal tolerance in algae may be genetic or physiological, and the available reports often do not distinguish between these two different sets of mechanisms. The phrases tolerance and resistance have often been used interchangeably, although the latter phrase may be preferred if ability to withstand high concentrations of metals is genetically fixed.

Characterization of gelatin-immobilized pigeonpea urease and preparation of a new urea biosensor.

Abstract: Urease purified from pigeonpea seeds was immobilized on gelatin beads via cross-linking with glutaraldehyde The maximum immobilization (75%) was observed at 30 mg/ml gelatin, 0414 mg of enzyme/bead, 1% (v/v) glutaraldehyde and 4 degrees C Beads stored in 50 mM Tris/acetate buffer (pH 73) at 4 degrees C showed a half-life of 240 days and there was practically no leaching of enzyme (less than 2%) over a period of 30 days These beads can be reused more than 30 times (with 24 h intervals) without much loss of enzyme activity (ie less than 11%) The immobilized urease showed a shift in its optimum pH from 73 to 65 in Tris/acetate buffer Optimum temperature also shifted from 47 to 65 degrees C compared with the soluble enzyme Gelatin-immobilized pigeonpea urease had a higher K(m) (83 mM) than that of the soluble enzyme (30 mM) The time-dependent temperature inactivation pattern was also found to change from biphasic to monophasic kinetics The immobilized beads were used for the preparation of a new urea biosensor with a response time of less than 2 min At least 14 samples of urea can be measured with this biosensor within an hour The beads, as well as the biosensor, were used to analyse the urea content in clinical samples from the local clinical pathology laboratories The results obtained with the biosensor were strikingly similar to those obtained with the various commonly employed biochemical/autoanalyzer(R) methods used These immobilization studies also have a potential role in haemodialysis machines that maintain the urea level in kidney patients and in the construction of a portable/wearable kidney The easy availability of the pigeonpea urease, the ease of its immobilization on gelatin and a significantly lower cost of the urease described in the present study makes it a suitable product for future applications in therapeutics and diagnostics

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Si alloys produced by spray forming process

Abstract: The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Al–6.5Si and Al–18Si alloys have been investigated. The alloys were spray-deposited and hot extruded at 480°C with an area reduction ratio of 6:1. The microstructure of the spray-deposit of Al–6.5Si alloy showed spherical morphology of the primary α-phase with a globular shape of the eutectic Si phase in the inter-particle boundaries. On the other hand, a fine particulate morphology of primary Si phase uniformly dispersed in the matrix of the α-phase was observed in spray-deposit of Al–18Si alloy. Microstructural refinement was further increased in the hot extruded alloys. The room temperature tensile tests of spray formed and extruded alloys showed considerable increase in their strength and ductility over that of the as cast alloys. The improvement in mechanical properties of spray formed alloys is discussed in light of the microstructural modifications induced during spray deposition process.